Papua New Guinea’s Colonial-Era Rule on Hair Dress in Public Spaces

In Papua New Guinea during the early 20th century under colonial administration, there are accounts of rules that discouraged men and women from wearing traditional hairstyles—such as elaborate shell decorations or large wigs—within certain urban public spaces. While not officially codified in contemporary lawbooks, local oral histories suggest that colonial authorities found some customary dress and adornments unsettling or inappropriate for 'civilized' environments. These impressions reportedly led to informal policies aiming to encourage European-style grooming in government buildings and commercial districts. Though largely fading away before independence in 1975, these restrictions reveal the tensions between indigenous cultural expression and imposed colonial standards. Today, Papua New Guinea is celebrated for its vibrant traditional dress and hairstyles, making such rules feel surprising and outdated. Given the mix of oral history and scarce documentation, verification remains incomplete, but this historical anecdote illuminates the complex legacy of fashion and dress codes in Papua New Guinea’s past.